SPONSORED BY

Islamic Da'wah Center

Built in 1928, this magnificent neoclassical building downtown was home to the prestigious Houston National Bank. Purchased by Hakeem Olajuwon in 1994, the historical landmark was transformed into a mosque. Olajuwon maintained its architectural and design heritage, including the structure’s spectacular gold-leaf-domed interior and imposing limestone and marble colonnaded exterior. The mission of the now Islamic Da'wah Center is to explore the history and cultures of Islam, promote understanding within diversity and encourage constructive dialog with people of other faiths. The former bank’s basement vault now houses an extensive library of Islamic texts. Its marbled halls echo with chants of prayers instead of the sounds of customers making deposits. Everyone is welcome here, whether your interests are purely about the preservation of a bygone era in architecture and design, or you want to learn more about Islam, or you come here to join others in worship. This building represents different things to different people – and is a snapshot of our rich multi-cultural city.